The association is important to plaintiffs in the case because it was created under state law requirements by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, which makes it a public body by extension, the plaintiffs contend.

The Geological Core and Sample Repository holds a collection of drill core and cuttings from 67 counties in Michigan, including all 15 counties from the Upper Peninsula. The purpose of the collection is to act as a "rock library" and make the collected material available to individual researchers and industry for geologic study. It is hoped that the collection will lead to increased mineral and fuel exploration and development in various parts of Michigan. Both the local and state economies may benefit by more jobs being created.

The plaintiffs contend:

"The murky facts surrounding the Northern Michigan Geologic Repository Association exemplify the need for the Freedom of Information Act and the purpose for which it was enacted: to shine a light on the actions of government officials which directly impact the citizens whom they purport to represent," said Jana Mathieu, the plaintiff's attorney.

Near the Upper Peninsula District Office of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in Gwinn, this map taped to the wall of a large warehouse labels the facility a “State Warehouse.” Core samples are stored within, but the DEQ claims no further association with NMGRA, the non-profit that has leased the warehouse and is attempting to raise money to make it a state geologic repository.